It’s normal to have a lot of questions after receiving a gynecologic cancer diagnosis. You may have already had surgery, or it may be coming as part of your treatment plan, along with other therapies to reduce the likelihood of cancer returning. Now is a good time to gather your questions and prepare for your oncology appointments.
Our gynecologic oncology doctors have prepared answers to some of the most common questions to help you understand what may be coming next.
You may have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, or another type of gynecologic cancer by a primary care physician or gynecologist. Some patients may have had surgery performed to remove tissue that was biopsied and found to be malignant (cancerous).
After a diagnosis, the next step is to meet with an oncologist, specifically a gynecologic oncologist. Gynecologic oncologists are surgeons who specialize in cancers of the female reproductive organs and oversee medical oncology treatments for their patients. They will lead the care team and work with other specialists to develop a treatment plan.
The Gynecologic Cancer Institute of Chicago is a division of Affiliated Oncologists. Our doctors are dedicated to providing compassionate care for women facing gynecologic cancers in the South Chicago suburbs. Our gynecologic oncologists are double board-certified in both surgery and medical oncology, meaning they have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of gynecologic cancer treatment.
One of our board-certified gynecologic cancer doctors, located in Oak Lawn and Downers Grove, will meet with you to discuss the next steps. You may need additional scans or other tests before the final treatment plan can be decided.
Once all of your test results are available, the AO gynecologic oncologist, who is also board-certified in medical oncology, will recommend the next steps for chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy that are likely to be most effective for you. This doctor leads the care team and coordinates with other specialists. Maintaining open communication with your cancer team about your physical and emotional well-being will allow them to guide you to the right resources.
Your cancer care team may also include:
This doctor plans and oversees any radiation therapy used as part of your cancer treatment. This can be external beam or internal, high-dose rate brachytherapy to treat the area more directly.
During some appointments, you may meet with our advanced practice providers. They serve as a liaison with the gynecologic oncologist, answering questions, addressing side effects, and helping you with any questions you have.
A genetic counselor is experienced in the genetics of cancer. You may meet for testing and counseling if your cancer, such as ovarian cancer, is associated with a genetic change to the BRCA gene or other known genetic mutations.
Oncology social workers help you navigate mental and emotional health throughout treatment and beyond. They can also help you find important community resources, including in-home care, transportation services, and support groups.
Gynecologic cancer stages are typically categorized from 0 through IV, where stage 0 represents contained, non-invasive cancers and stage IV indicates cancers that have spread. The results of your biopsy and imaging tests determine the extent of the disease. A treatment plan is created based on whether the cancer has spread outside of where it started.
The recommended treatments will vary based on the specific type and stage of gynecologic cancer. Learn more about the staging process for ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers.
The specific treatments you'll receive depend on the type of gynecologic cancer you have, its stage, location, and your overall health. Most patients receive additional treatments after surgery to kill any cancer cells left behind. This can include one or more of the following:
Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy
Targeted Therapy
Hormone Therapy
Immunotherapy
Your oncologist can explain why each type of therapy is recommended and when it will be administered during the treatment process.
Meeting with the oncologist for the first time involves receiving a lot of information. We recommend bringing a friend or family member with you to provide support and help listen to the discussion. Here are some additional tips on remembering what you're told and keeping track of questions for your gynecologic cancer specialist.
What type of gynecologic cancer do I have?
What is the extent of my gynecologic cancer, and how does that affect my treatment plan?
What type of surgery is recommended for me?
How long will my recovery time be?
Will there need to be any other treatments? If so, what would they be?
How long after surgery will my other treatments begin?
Will I receive cancer treatments before or after surgery?
What kind of side effects should I expect from the treatments?
How often will I receive treatments?
Should I see any other types of doctors during treatment? If so, what types?
Should I consider genetic testing?
Will I be able to have sex after treatment is complete?
Will treatment affect my ability to have children in the future?
It can be challenging to remember all the details about your cancer and treatment plan, but getting a notebook to keep a record of important information can help tremendously. You can write down how you’re feeling, medicines and supplements you take, and your questions or observations regarding appointments and procedures. Be sure to date all of your entries to stay organized.
If you prefer a method other than paper, commit to using it regularly. Having written information readily available helps keep the lines of communication open between you and your doctors.
It is essential to feel confident about your gynecologic cancer diagnosis. This is why many patients opt to seek a second opinion before starting on a treatment plan. At Affiliated Oncologists, our physicians provide second opinions on treatment options for gynecologic cancer. While many insurance companies cover second opinion assessments, contact your insurance provider for verification. To schedule a second opinion with one of our physicians, find a location that is convenient for you, and call our office to make an appointment.
If you received a diagnosis for a type of gynecologic cancer and are seeking cancer treatment in the South Chicago suburbs, the team at Affiliated Oncologists is here to support you every step of the way.
The comprehensive approach offered by our gynecologic cancer team at Affiliated Oncologists combines the most advanced gynecologic cancer treatments and surgical procedures with education and support services for our patients and their families. Our gynecologic cancer centers are located in Downers Grove and Chicago Ridge, Illinois.
